Easiest Way to Fix a Jeep Wheel Hub

The process of fixing a hub on the front of your Jeep involves removing the old hub and replacing it with a new hub assembly. This is the only way to service the front wheel bearing. The hubs assembly in the Jeep is a sealed unit and it cannot be repaired but just replaced. The replacement is available from most auto parts stores or any Jeep dealer. Changing a wheel hub can be done with a few simple steps.

Step 1: Loosen the wheel lug nuts by turning them 45 degrees counter clockwise with a tire wrench. Locate the nut in the center of the wheel and remove the cotter pin from the axle stub with a pair of pliers then loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel with a lug wrench.

Step 2: Place a jack under the front of the Jeep and raise it off the ground. Place a set of jack stands under the front axle to support the Jeep while you are working. Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheels, set them aside.

Step 3: Locate the two slide pins that support the brake caliper retaining bolts on the back of the caliper. Remove them with a socket and ratchet then lift the brake calliper off the brake rotor and mounting bracket. Then hug the calliper from the frame or upper suspension with a piece of wire to keep it from hanging on the brake hose while avoiding any damage to the rubber brake line.

Step 4: Pull the cotter pin from the axle nut located in the center of the wheel studs then set it to the side. Next find the three 12-point bolts on the backside of the Jeeps’ steering knuckle and remove them using a 12-point socket and ratchet.

Step 5: Separate the hub from the steering knuckle using a cold chisel and hammer. Discard the old hub, clean any dirt, rust or debris from the interior surface of the steering knuckle using a break clearer and then coat the inner surface of the knuckle with anti-seize compound.

Step 6: Install the new hub over the axle shaft and into the Jeeps’ steering knuckle, while aligning the axle stub with the center of the hub as you slide the hub into position. Then install the three 12-point mounting bolts from the back of the knuckle and into the hub. Torque the bolts to 75 ft-lbs, drawing the hub completely into the knuckle.

Step 7: Slide the brake rotor onto the wheel studs and then position the caliper onto the rotor and caliper mounting brackets. Next, install the caliper mounting bolts and tighten the bolts using a socket and ratchet.

Step 8: Raise the front of the Jeep off the jack stand and remove the stands from below the axle. Once removed, lower the jack after this set the Jeep on the ground and tighten the lug nuts the rest of the way using a lug wrench.

Step 9: Install the wheel on the wheel studs and thread the lug nuts into place. Raise the Jeep off the jack stands and finally remove the stands from under your Jeep and lower the Jeep, proceed to make tighter the lug nuts using a lug wrench.

The wheel hub assembly is a sealed unit which cannot be repaired without special tools. Not to worry about this because the tools are available through auto part stores and online sites. Fixing a Jeep Wheel hub can be time consuming but doing it yourself saves a considerable amount of money.